Competition is not just a man’s sport. Women have their eyes on the prize too, and are continuously soaring to great heights in business and leadership positions. Female empowerment is no longer just a term, it is now an industry of its own. With this comes cultural change. The change agents of our era are the female pioneers who help empower and embrace others. How do they do it? And more important, how can you follow their examples?

These are my top business and leadership tips to help you become the best leader in business and life.

Practice active listening

Leaders do not make it to the top because they tell everyone what to do. They succeed because they listen carefully. Listen to your clients, supervisor, colleagues and family members. Whoever it is, just listen. You learn more by keeping your ears open in curiosity than you do speaking. By listening, you take in the subtle patterns of individuals and information. Not only does active listening improve your understanding, it improves relationships. Individuals have deep respect for those that actively listen with a conscious and attentive energy. There are endless opportunities for the individual that keeps a keen eye on all surroundings.

Communicate openly and efficiently

Transparency is an important quality for business leaders. Open communication allows colleagues and clients alike to build trust with the leadership and the company. Keep the door open to allow for transparent conversations. Openness can be a paramount quality to your personal leadership skillset. Make your values known in a respectful way and others will appreciate your directness. If you are true to your word, sincerity will shine through your interactions. Everyone in your workplace and personal sphere appreciates sincere and genuine interactions based in transparency.

Display courage for managerial roles

You may have reached your peak leadership position, or you may still have your eye on it. Either way, play the part to achieve your goals. Carefully curate yourself to act in a distinguished and respectable manner. Make your decisions with a decisive and direct approach that reflects confidence. Leaders are those who do not hesitate on big decisions. Take responsibility in stride and develop bold moves that are for the overall good of the company and its workers. Take risks, and aim to pursue your ambitions to reach the top.

Be respectful

You are never too good to respect others. The golden rule remains true in every avenue of life. Many people get caught up in the labels and forget that regardless of your position, everyone is a person just like you. Overlooking respect is a dangerous path, particularly if you are in a leadership role. Business success is rooted in kindness. Genuine kindness to others and acknowledging their presence goes a long way. There is no need to be best friends with everyone, but a simple hello and respectful interaction is a necessary expression of humanity and respect.

Be accountable

Accountability is easy to come by when things are going well. The boss takes note of who is accountable when things go badly. Express your bravery and take responsibility for your actions. Placing the blame on others is a cowardly outcome, and will not increase your chances of climbing the ladder of leadership. Be a leader now and take responsibility.

Recognize your team

Business is not a one-man or one-woman game. It takes a team of people with quality contributions to make a working collaborative product. Express appreciation for ideas and help on projects. There is no one person doing all the work because the end product is a representation of a mosaic of ideas. Grant everyone credit for a job well done.

Preparation is the bottom line

The most qualified person may not always be the best person for the job. Preparation is a pivotal quality in successful individuals. Natural personality is excellent, but it won’t get the job done. Proper preparatory measures are taken by the most responsible and aware individuals. Those are the people you want running an event or project. Be ready for every outcome, and know that the best leaders take planning into their own hands ahead of time. The most prepared individual that can think on their feet execute tasks most effectively.

Leadership roles are challenging and just like the best things in life, you must work hard to achieve them. Perseverance, responsibility, respect and encouragement get you farther than you ever thought possible. Remain humble and appreciate the people that help build up the company. Just remember – you may not currently be in a leadership role, but that does not mean you cannot be a leader now.

Rhonda Vetere is an industry advocate for women entrepreneurs around the world. She is president at nThrive and board advisor of On The Dot Woman, which helps empower and advance women with daily, four-minute motivational segments.